Vermont City Marathon Race Report

Sunday, 30 May 2010 was race day. I came in feeling moderately optimistic, but there was an undercurrent of dread in this one -- I suppose there always is, are you ever really ready, have you done all that you can...

I'd had a dream earlier in the week of running a 3:52. It didn't pan out that way.

Overall Finish: 1585
Age Grp Finish: 170/244
Age Grp: M3539
10: 1:29:43
13.1: 1:57:46
20: 3:06:25
Net: 4:23:57
Avg/Mi: 10:05
Gun: 4:25:37

If I'm honest, I'd say I wasn't ready, I missed a few too many runs of both the long and the short variety, but I was determined to come in and gut this out. The time is my best marathon yet (a whopping 13 seconds faster than 2008). I ran it slightly smarter -- I walked part of the long hill and a shorter hill around 17 -- I was really trying to save my legs. and it did work, somewhat.

I've been hitting trouble on long runs around 15-18, I hit it earlier Sunday -- around 12 I felt something not right and that's when I determined to not run the whole Battery Hill at 15. VTR and I ran with the 4 hour pace guy, and chatted with him and had a fine time -- I even got to be the pace setter for a bit while the official guy stopped to urinate.

A couple of forgotten ups and downs in 10-12 caught me off guard and sapped me a bit, and I really dropped off the pace on Battery Hill. The long boring stretch out to the neighborhoods of North Burlington did their damage too. Through 16-17 I was telling myself that I'd weathered the storm earlier, but I was feeling average at best. I lost it soon thereafter and went into survival mode. I bumped back into VTR who as he said, was in his own personal hell (but I'll let him report it). We slogged on together for the next 5 miles or so. I had a couple of crazy incidents at 21-22.

The first came down when we were finally coming off the surface streets and heading to the bike path that would take us back to the finish line. At that turn there is a waste water treatment plant. I'm not really one to gag etc, but something about that plant at that point in the race made my eyes water and made me retch and gag -- If I'd had stomach contents I'd have hurled. After recovering, I trudged on. About 5 minutes later a woman in front of me crashed when the woman in front of her stopped short to pick up a dropped-GU. I somehow managed to leap over both of them and not fall and not step on them. I got this weird muscle pull in my arm and my right calf balled up under my knee. I carried on.

I think I got an adrenaline burst from that and felt really good from 22-24 saying this will be my best marathon yet, then I crashed again at 24. Walked to 25 (walked the full mile), started to run at 25, my legs nearly gave way, I resumed walking, almost started crying (??) but powered on. About 25.25 I started running again and finished on a run with a great kick. I cursed out the apathethic finish line crowds asking them if they were at a "f*&%ing wake" and passed a couple of folks at the end (though the folks at the top of the chute ROCKED!).

VTR was inspiring and gritty. This was one tough race. It got progressively more humid and warmer as the day went one and it really knocked me around. I could have used one more GU near the end (and about an additional 100 training miles). I hydrated well, I think, though some guy asked if I wanted salt tab... I think this is my last marathon for a while -- my life is not set up for marathoning these days. My kids want me to keep going, and that might be what brings me back, even more than the fact than the fact that I think I know more about the distance than I did before and feel the need to tackle it again... but I need some time to recover and parse my lessons from this one. More miles, more calories on runs, smarter pacing.

Speaking of my kids, they and Mrs. A were out cheering the whole way, and it was great to see VTR's kids (& father-in-law) way out where we needed help most. All of our kids ran races the day before and we had a blast. C2 held my hand for the last half of his 1/2 mile race and that was an awesome moment. C1 smoked it and did really well and I'm psyched for her, the girl who told me "I run, you jog..." So awesome, and as VTR said to me at mile 9 when Mrs. A told us that C2 said "finish strong, dad" -- something I'd been telling him the day before when he did kick at the finish and pass some kids -- "that's what it's all about."

On Reflection

Before you read what follows: I'm toying with the idea of doing the same run that I'm about to describe below, again, in two weeks time -- on 5/8 or 5/9. Anybody interested? Run part or run all -- I would *love* the company. I also love the shared experience of running -- the blog is cool, but it needs to start to expand and we need to build up the culture of running even more, and bring the social into it (something I've loved stemming from the Cherry Blossom 10 blog and race). Let me know about 5/8-9

On reflection, my planned 20 miler was pretty darn tricky given that I'd run 5 miles in the previous 2 weeks. Never one to be deterred by such trifles, I proceeded as planned. David C. came down from Maine, I put on a nice spread Friday night, we carbo loaded, chatted for a bit and hit the sack.

We were on the road by 7:50 only 30 minutes late. We strolled to the jump off point and headed out. I started this long run like I do most of them: through the center of town, into Wellesley. Rather than turn around at the bridge or head into Weston, we turned right on Rt. 16 and picked up the Boston Marathon Course. We followed that for the next 7+ miles, through Wellesley Hills, Newton, to Comm Ave and BC.

Let me tell you, the Newton hills are no joke. I've driven Comm Ave dozens of time. I never realized though how high those hills are. Starting at about mile 9 on our run, and 17 on the marathon course, there are three, long hills in a row, culminating at Heartbreak Hill at mile 12/20. Everything was going swimmingly the first 8 miles. I took on the first hill with no problem. My legs swelled on the second and I actually walked a bunch of it, running more as I neared the top -- my first sign that yesterday was going to be tough.

We met our families at mile 10, dropped a layer, chugged some Gatorade and headed off. I ran Heartbreak Hill with little issue, but all respect to the Boston Marathoners who hit that beast at 20... After HBH we turned left at BC and headed down Lake St. and made our way to the Charles River. The long down was nice for the cardio, but murder, I think, for my legs. We wound our way through Brighton a bit to make it to Soldier's Field Road, dodged some traffic, jumped a guard rail and hit the Charles River Trail.

After a hippy, Earth Day, Charles River Cleanup chick nearly took David's eye out with her idiot stick (don't wave around a long wooden pole with a giant spike in it while talking to your helpmates, without paying attention to your surroundings, chuckle-head), we chugged along and met the families at mile 15. By this point, I was done, but I'd committed to the full magilla.

I dropped my water pack and on we went. My left leg -- just my left leg -- went into spasm essentially, it wasn't working like I wanted it to nor needed it to. My right leg felt fine. Well, as fine as screaming shins and calves can actually feel, but my left quad was completely shot. I had some stretches where I was trying to stretch, trying to give it a rest by walking, but I was walking, running walking running (and the left leg is far more sore today than the right). David rolled with me, and was an awesome partner. We chugged along, both of us hurting, but me hurting worse, and finished at the Esplanade, right in front of the Hatch Shell.

The weather was amazing. The familial support astounding. The running buddy fantastic. The muscle fitness not so great. Could the left leg issue be because I push off on it more since it is my dominant leg? I don't know. Anyway, glad I did it, hoping to glean some lessons from it, and use it to my advantage in a few weeks. Consider 5/8 boys, consider it....

Wednesday Ten

Well, when the alarm went off at 5:45 I hit snooze once. I turned it off when it went off 7 minutes later, composed my thoughts and hopped out of bed. I gathered gear which was easier this AM because it was laying around from yesterday. Made, and wolfed, a half a chicken sandwich and headed out the door at approximately I don't know what time. I trotted out through town, on my way to the bridge in the neighboring town. I passed the 2+ mile mark around 6:43 which means I probably left the casa at about 6:25 ( I really need to get my watch operational).

It was a clear chilly morning and everything was covered in frost. There were many runners out, so I was not alone and I just kept pounding out the miles. I had a couple of epiphanies on this run.

1) There is always someone faster, stronger and better than you unless you are the undisputed best at what you do -- and for those of us who populate the vast middle of Life's Bell Curve, there are plenty better.
The reason for this epiphany was that a totally fit, high-knee-lifting, high-heel-kicking dude powered by me at about the 3+ mile mark. He was fast, and his stride was effortless. It was impressive.

2) Derives from #1: we are all running our own race (and this is a mantra I repeat when running "run your race" "run your run"). What that guy does, what I do, what any of us do doesn't matter.

We run our race, run it as best we can and finish where we finish. The only one I compete with is me. I am, and can be, inspired by others -- the stud who blazed by this morning, David and his quest, Nancy and her enthusiasm, the woman we know who ran all through Chemo. We carry our life with us when we run -- past, present and future, and all of those things add up to what, and how, and who we are when we run.

I reached my destination, the little bridge feeling good. I stopped briefly to chug some Gatorade and eat a Vanilla Bean GU (if you're looking for something easy to handle, and not messy, GU is pretty good -- though they can be so sweet that they are oppressive, this was my first in 6 years!) which I liked, though Fruit Punch and Vanilla Bean aren't really a winning combo. I looked at a flood swollen stream, mesmerized by the swirling water and headed back. I felt better on this run than yesterday's -- it's all about the rhythm. When threes and fives are hard that's a good sign to me.

Keep running.

A Good Run

I posted this on Posterous under the title "52,800, At Least." Hope you guys are well. I'm feeling very much back in the saddle. How's Mrs FA's training going? Two weeks to go.

I headed out this morning for my first official long run of this training session. I had in mind to do 10-11 miles, and had no real time in mind, except to keep it around 90 minutes.
It was a beautiful day under crystal clear bluebird skies and the temp was a very comfortable 38 F. I carried 20 ozs of G2, a cliff bar (peanut butter choco-chip), my mobile and wore a hat gloves, shell polypro shirt, tights and base layer briefs -- much stripped down from earlier in the week. I headed out through the center of town and into the next town over. The wind was a mellow breeze out of the S/SW. The streets of our town were quiet with only some dog walkers, a few runners and a few motorists (one of whom did manage to cut me off as she pulled into the lot of the YMCA....awesome).

I have a 5 mile out route to a distinct landmark -- a bridge -- in the next town. It's part of a longer continuum of out and backs that if I ever geared up for it (mentally and physically) would net a 22 mile long run through three towns and some very scenic neighborhoods. Today's out and back though was just to the bridge. As I neared the bridge I felt good. I decided to go closer to 11. So, rather than stopping at the bridge to eat the Cliff and drink some Gatorade I took a left and ran down a path. The town next to us has a great system of walking trails across the town. I sort of power walked, slow jogged while I wolfed the Cliff and chugged some fluid and then picked it up again. I ran next to a nice little brook, crossed some streets, and followed the path which eventually had me running on top of the Lake Cochichuate Aqueduct for a little trail running. I came back to the main drag that I followed out, and then headed for home. I felt good throughout though my quads were a bit sore -- I went from being "kind-of-running" to at least 28 miles this week, with a stroller run on Saturday.

At about the 40 minute mark I found my rhythm and just kept on rolling. I love it when that happens. I heard loads of Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Crows, saw several Mourning Doves, a huge Red Tail and, what I think, though can't be sure because I couldn't see its rump, which is always white, a Northern Harrier. I enjoyed today, but am glad that it's over, though. This was a good week of running accomplishment and I feel very much back in the saddle. I covered the ground in about 90 minutes, maybe a bit more, but I'm not sure how far I actually went, though it was 52,800 feet, at least.

RUnning Buddies

I took full advantage of the gorgeous day and headed out in the late morning with two of my favorite running buddies: Child 2 & Child 3. We headed out on our usual stroller run route and I felt pretty good at the usual turn around that I pushed it out to the turn around that makes it a 5.4 mile run (depends on the mapping tool I use). Rather than turn right around Child 2 inquired about where the turnaround road went. So, after a brief pause to drink some water we headed down the turnaround road on a little running adventure. We crossed a couple of small streams and paused to look at them -- Child 2 loves "bubbling brooks."

The loop eventually brought us back to the center of town and we headed home on the road we went out on. Total distance was just shy of 6 (5.88) which may be my longest stroller run. I felt good throughout, though I was sucking wind at the end -- i was coming back harder than I went out. WE sprinted downtown to see the train come through, and generally had a fine time. Child 2 chatted with me throughout and Child 3 was chattering and making noises and pointing at everything he saw. It was a fun run. Getting ready for 10 - 11 tomorrow.

Dawn Patrol

I got out for a pair this week at about 6:10 AM. It's a major shift in my life and my body and mind are not appreciative. It's the only time I can get out there and do it and not get sucked in to the minutia of my life. I went nearly 6 miles both days, but today was lousy, i cut it off and bailed so that the run was closer to 5 -- I was not feeling it. Anyway, i was out there, and I'll go again Saturday and Sunday for 5, 10-11 respectively. I'm hoping that my crummy start to training this year ends strong whereas last year I started great and ended badly. I'll take a slower time in New Bedford for better finish in Burlington. I signed up for the Eastern States 20 from Maine to Mass on 3/28 so that should be "fun." It will be easier to do a long run if I pay for it than try and get out and do it by myself -- which always blows me up -- I need the adrenaline of a race to keep me going and I just don't generate that much on a solo Sunday jaunt through MetroWest. Surprisingly.

Vermont City Marathon (aka Tour de Port-o-let)

I ran the Vermont City Marathon yesterday. Completed the race in about 4:05 (haven't checked the official results), but the time for this run was inconsequential. It was all about finishing, mainly because of my limited training. As I wrote of here, I pulled my calf on March 15, and I've been working my way back ever since. My recovery included a bunch of small relapses for a few weeks, no running for about 3 weeks, and then, finally, a conservative, rebuilding schedule that topped out at a two hour run two weeks ago. There was no risk of being overtrained on race day, that was for sure.

My goals for the marathon were 1. Don't re-injure myself, 2. Finish, 3. Experiment with pace by going out slowly and trying to finish strong. I'm glad to report that I didn't suffer any injuries, I finished and I went out relatively slowly and finished with a couple of 9:30-ish miles. I was happy with that... especially given my gastro-intestinal situation for the race. I'll skip the details and leave it at this: Over the course of 26.2 miles, I urinated in a field on the side of a road and visited three pot-o-potties and a gas station. My stomach was not right throughout.

My big story for this race, though, was the feeling I had afterwards. Unlike past marathons where I felt like I left something on the table and had to try again, I finished yesterday feeling that I was done with this distance for a while. It wasn't a negative feeling, like I was defeated or had a negative experience, I just don't have a reason to go back right now. I'm ready to move on to things like biking, maybe some tri's and definitely some half marathons. The marathon provides anyone who finishes with a huge sense of accomplishment. That is worthwhile. But it also hurts. It's a painful race, and without a real reason to run -- a reason that drives you to push through the pain -- it's not happening. After four marathons in two years, I don't have a compelling need or reason to do another.

I'm very excited by this new development. A new phase of long distance training begins for me today...ok, maybe tomorrow. Today, I rest.

Good Long Run

Just mapped today's run -- 15.6 miles. I hit the road around 7 AM. I walked the first couple hundred yards -- I was not motivated but knew I needed to get out. I did last year's long route with the intention of going out about 8 and coming back. I went out about ten and change and came back 5 and change and then I started walking home and called for the ride. I really didn't feel like suffering into my neighborhood so opted for this plan, about part way out. I also chose the route once I got to a point where I could go one of two ways -- there really was no plan, just running. I ran for about 2:35 or so and am happy with that. A little more consistency during the week is one goal and then a three hour run next Saturday -- Sunday is Mother's day, and I can't leave for three hours then!

It was a good route, some good long hills, some tough short little ups. It goes through my town and two others through some lovely bucolic land, wooded marshes and horse pastures etc. It also passes over the Framingham line of the Commuter Rail, under Route 9 & I-90 and crosses Route 30.

I'm on a zen running kick -- no HR monitor, no watch (though I had my celly and that gave me the rough time) and no real plan when I leave the door. I really need to get some more Body Glide though, my nips got scorched and I bled through a polypro and a technical but didn't really feel it until afterwards. I think this run rocked and helped me realize that with some hard work this month, I can run this marathon. By the end of today I was covered in sweat, salt, spittle, snot, blood and Gatorade -- a good long run!

One More

Got in another 5 today. It felt OK, not great, but pretty good, better than yesterday. It was much cooler. Took Child 2 with me. He chattered for 4 miles then fell sound asleep in the last mile. He slept in the stroller while I chatted for 15 minutes with a neighbor then in the front yard for probably another 40 minutes while we prepped dinner. Very worried about this marathon. My "training" has been a joke.

Orphan Children

I'm here. I've been fitfully running and stressing at my lack of preparation. I've got a plan for this month. You'll see it unfold in the coming weeks -- I'm not going to talk about it, I'm just going to do it. We were away last week, I only got in one run. I ran about 3 times the week before and just did a wilting-in-the-heat run today. Sorry for being so absent, I'm glad that you've been carrying on.

Beautiful Evening

I took another evening run today and it was a beautiful evening. Child two came with me and he chattered the first four miles then fell sound asleep in mile five. I love running with my children. I felt pretty good though I think I was pushing it pretty hard today. The stroller totally changes the workout factor for me, but it's great to have the company. Knocking down another brick.

Quick & Late

Quick late run and a quick late post. Ran abut 4 on Wednesday, late in the day, from 5:40 - 6:15 PM. it was more than four but less than 5. I had meetings in Boston and needed to get my car from the train station lot -- I got a ride out of the city -- so I ran a good sized loop to get my car. I felt pretty good, and am glad I went. I nearly bailed but Mrs. A pushed me out the door. Hopefully the FAs get in a run in Rekyjavik to which they are currently en route if they haven't landed yet.

Good Weekend

We had a great weekend on the Cape this weekend with the VTRs and Mrs. FA and her kids (Mr. FA, we missed you). I ran 8 on Saturday, 5 with VTR and 3 with Mrs. FA. IT was great to have someone to talk to. Near the end with VTR we were both sort of working and I looked at him and said, "you're doing great, this is much quicker than I thought we'd run." He looked at me and says, "I was picking it up to stay up with you . . ." funny. I enjoyed running with Mrs. FA too, she set the pace, we had a great conversation about running work and the usual stuff, and got in a nice run.

I took Children 1 & 2 out today and we had fun on a fairly short run, in the neighborhood of 3 miles. We played a game avoiding "traps" -- manhole covers and sewer grates that either popped your tire, grabbed your leg or arm or spewed sparks (water valve covers). I'd pretend not to see them and both kids would be yelling "TRAPS!" I'd swerve the whole stroller at the last second and they'd be swerving with it all tossed around in the cabin. We had a blast. It was a gorgeous evening of golden sun and brilliant blue skies. C1 said, "it looks like early morning but it's not. . ." so observant. We saw a couple of big cotton tail rabbits, loads of Grackles and a couple of big Northern Flickers.

I got in five on my birthday (Wednesday) with C3. I felt good much better than my 3/29 run. I'm rediscovering my mojo. VTR gave me a big pep talk this weekend and it was good, thanks. I'm knocking down the wall one brick at a time as that HS rower mentioned -- great comment PR.

A tangential thing: we saw a bunch of birds this weekend that looked loonish, but I think that they were Brants, a small to medium sized goose. According to The Sibley Guide to Birds they winter here and summer up in Hudson Bay/the arctic circle.

Much Better

I got out yesterday. It felt much better. My two runs this week really hammered home the importance of rhythm in running. Tuesday was a choppy run and I felt lousy. Thursday had more unbroken stretches and it felt better. There were a few choppy parts and I felt not great. Stopping and starting is hard. I did what I think is a five mile loop, it was a variation on my normal five mile loop. I added in a big climb that I haven't done in maybe two years. The hill was neither as steep nor as long as I remembered it -- a good sign, I think. I saw a group of HS girls out on a track team training run, dogging it. They saw me coming and got all nervous, like I was their coach or something. I was going to tell them to do the miles, but just grinned at them as I ran by. One girl grinned back, she knew I knew what they were up to. Pretty funny.

Where I've Been, Two

The week after the NB Half started nicely with a quick 4 mile errand run on St. Patrick's day, and ended in a total downer. I got caught up in starting this new venture and flaked on running. I was set to get out for 10 on Saturday and 15-16 on Sunday -- I was jut going to go for it. During a Saturday wrestling match with Child One I took a wicked (accidental) poke to the eye that scratched the cornea and had me in agony the rest of the day. I basically couldn't keep either eye open on Saturday so laid around with both closed until Sunday when the poked-eye was barely functioning. My whole weekend was shot and with it my week.

Well, water under the bridge, so I got out today and took Child Three for his first stroller run. He's been walking in the jogger with Mrs. A, but this was his first run, and it was less than stellar. It was challenging and I felt crummy. I made the mistake of heading out at 2:30 PM -- school pickup in town and tons of traffic. good times. The wind was howling and in my face all the way back, more good times. I got out for a slow 4.75 though and will go again tomorrow. Gotta get back on the horse. It's getting to crunch time and I need to buckle down and RUN.

VTR, I'm sorry, I missed something, somewhere, but you're injured again? Total drag, I'm sorry. Give a shout if you want to talk.

Where I've Been

So, I've been gone for two weeks. All is well, just worked through a series of stomach bugs on the Quarter Acre that set me back about a week or so. So, Mrs. A went down hard on Sunday (3/1) and I went down fairly hard on Monday (3/2). I slept from 2 PM Monday until 7:30 AM Tuesday after shoveling all morning with a sour stomach and lots of aches. The rest of the week was not great, so there was no running.

Last week I went out on Sunday (3/8) for a lousy, wind sucking and weak-legged 5 with Child Two. I was sore on Monday and busy as heck Tuesday and Wednesday which left me concerned about the New Bedford Half. I headed out Thursday for another 5 or so and felt OK. Inexplicably, I decided that I needed to run 10 on Friday in order to remember what it felt like to go double-digits before Sunday. So, I went 10 and felt pretty good. Saturday I was a bit stiff but active with the kids and was feeling good for Sunday -- I was going to treat it as a training run, which it was. The New Bedford Half Marathon, however, gets its own post.

Unexpected

Mrs Agricola got super ill in the middle of Saturday night. She was down for the count all day Sunday, so no 15 miler. I need to figure out if I can make it up sometime this week. Last week was a poor training week. I need to go in the AM but the infant (wh0 is now 5 moths old, and needs to stop this) is up 3 times each night and it is wreaking havoc on us. So mornings are hard right now. It's fine, I'll find a way and rebound. Twelve inches of snow on tap for tonight. This winter needs to end.

Fast Five

Child One learned how to ride a bike today! We're psyched for her.

After taking some spins around the local playground we headed home and I headed out for a run with a neighbor. He was getting ready to go, and I invited myself along. It was good for motivation. He hadn't run two months due to a calf strain, and was looking forward to getting out. He thought he'd run 7:30s. I didn't say much except, you set the pace.

Now, to be honest 7:30 is way faster than I wanted to run before tomorrow's run (any workout to be honest), but I knew I could drop off if need be, and I also wasn't sure he'd be able to drop the hammer like that. He set the pace and was pretty winded not long into the run, as we ascended a long hill, and I just cruised along, beating him up each climb and ratcheting it back a bit on the flats to reign in the pace. That said, we still ran a sub-40 5 miler and he was there the whole time. He has also run me into the ground in the past and does workout in the 7:15-7:30 range when in shape. It was great to run with another human being . . . fifteen on tap for tomorrow, in what's shaping up to be a nasty weather day. Good times.

Ran An Errand

I headed out today around 5:15 PM. A bit late but I wanted to get the run in, and I had a craving for crusty bread with our pasta so I ran to Trader Joe's about 2 miles away with a little bag over my shoulder to buy a loaf of bread. I dashed into the store, grabbed a baguette, tossed it in the bag and headed home. I literally ran an errand.

Since today is Ash Wednesday and we're now in Lent I was observing the stricture, and will continue to do so for the next 39 days, of fasting between meals. I actually bonked on my run a bit. I was shaky and hungry over the last half. I'm not a huge snacker but I do graze throughout the day to keep some calories coming in and it's amazing what a difference they make and how different I felt without them. I was ravenous at dinner.

Final thing, I got this link over Twitter to this article "Why runners usually make great employees." Great article, and very true, I think.

Short

I got out today with a half in mind and I came up short. I underestimated my out because I didn't map the run prior to leaving and instead of 13.1 did 12.2847 (1:47). Oh well, for the next half, I now know where to go -- it's a decent route and if I'd pushed it .5 miles more, I would have been in the money. That said, I felt pretty good until about the last 2.25 miles when my head didn't seem entirely attached to my legs but the legs just kept going, and my head felt somewhat swimmy. I'm not feeling as chipper today as I did last week after the ten, but all in all, no complaints. It drizzled for the last five miles and I finished just as it started coming down with more intensity. Good workout, onto the new week -- I need to get more in-between runs, that will help a lot.